Rescuers have successfully freed a humpback whale entangled in ropes at Organic Sea Harvest's salmon farm on the Isle of Skye, marking another notable event highlighting the dangers whales face due to marine litter and fishing gear.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning at the farm located near Staffin when the whale was discovered struggling with the ropes wrapped around its head and left fin. According to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), which has been dedicated to marine animal rescues for 40 years, one of the ropes was anchored to the seabed.
David Reddish, spokesperson for Organic Sea Harvest, explained how the whale was already struggling with older ropes not associated with their fish farm. “It was this existing entangled rope which caught onto the farm moorings as it swam by,” he stated, expressing gratitude for the BDMLR’s involvement. Rescuers not only liberated the whale from the farm’s moorings but also safely removed the tangled ropes it had been carrying, relieving the creature of its burdens.
Martin Boon of BDMLR elaborated on the rescue technique used, which was originally developed in the United States and used for the first time in Europe back in 2011. “Special knives attached to poles are employed to cut the rope in a specific sequence,” he detailed. “The last cut finally frees the animal and avoids the risk of it still having some of the rope attached to it.”
During the operation, the BDMLR team was provided with small inflatable boats by Organic Sea Harvest to allow them to safely approach the large animal. Boon cautioned, “Obviously it is humpback - they are big and powerful. If it thrashes about and it catches anybody on the team, that's not going to end well.” The rescue effort highlights the risks involved as well as the collaboration between marine conservation organizations and the fishing industry.
Despite the success on this occasion, the plight of whales facing entanglement is dire and continues to present serious challenges for marine wildlife. Ghost gear—equipment lost or abandoned by fishing vessels—poses significant threats, as highlighted by previous incidents involving humpback whales. While the BDMLR succeeded recently, it faces stark reminders of the harsh reality for marine mammals.
Earlier this month, another humpback whale was found entangled and had died after becoming ensnared by creel fishing lines, with its carcass discovered near Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (Smass) reported on the juvenile female whale, underscoring the cumulative threat faced by these creatures.
Ghost gear significantly contributes to the challenges faced by marine wildlife, with researchers estimating thousands of marine animals suffer each year as they become caught and unable to escape. Notably, the death of one sperm whale on the Isle of Harris brought light to the extent of the problem when investigators found it had ingested over 100 kilograms of human-made waste including fishing nets and plastic cups.
Such incidents serve as sobering reminders of the repercussions of human activity on marine ecosystems. Boon reports a strong commitment from fishing industry professionals willing to assist during whale emergencies, showcasing the potential for collaborative conservation efforts across sectors.
The work of organizations like BDMLR exemplifies the combined efforts needed to address and remedy the challenges facing marine life. With effective rescue techniques now established, the hope remains high for future entanglements to end similarly. Yet, continuous action is necessary to address the root causes of entanglements—efforts to combat marine litter and the world’s reliance on plastics.
Rescue operators and marine conservationists alike advocate for sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of both fishing industries and waste management on fragile ocean ecosystems. The recent rescue of the humpback off the Isle of Skye not only highlights the direct action possible to save marine life but serves as a pivotal call to action for the importance of environmental stewardship.
Every entanglement avoided helps communities recognize the close interdependence of human activities and the health of oceanic ecosystems. The collaboration of community members, marine organizations, and industries provides the opportunity for impactful change.
The story of the humpback whale's rescue is not just about the successes achieved on Thursday morning; it symbolizes collective resilience against the persistent threats facing marine species. It's imperative for both onlookers and environmental advocates to work together, paving the way toward safer waters for our ocean’s majestic creatures.